September 10, 2012

Pre-Premiere Week 2012

The big week for premieres doesn't start until Sept. 24, but a few shows are getting an early start on the season.

A little Premiere Week primer for those of you who might be new: In this post—and the posts during the week of 9/24—I'll include when the show airs (in the Central time zone), a brief synopsis and a link to the show's trailer (if the show's new) and a few personal thoughts on why I'm going to be watching. (If you'd like to review the premiere calendar I made up so you know what's airing when, check out this post.)

Coming up this week, on Tuesday, Sept. 11 (tomorrow):

Go On 8–8:30 p.m. (NBC)

Ryan King, a recent widower and sports talk radio host, [is] ready to get back to work after the loss of his wife. Ryan's alpha-male boss, Stephen, has a different plan in store for Ryan, making him attend grief counseling before returning to the air. A reluctant Ryan finds himself in a support group for "life change," where he meets an oddball cast of characters, all with their own backstories filled with varying degrees of loss. (via)

I wasn't planning on watching this show until I caught the free preview one night after the Olympics. It was actually quite funny and a little bit sweet. It could turn out to be terrible, but I'm going to give it a chance.

The New Normal 8:30–9 p.m. (NBC)

Bryan and David are a happy Los Angeles couple, with successful careers. The only thing missing in their relationship is a baby. They meet Goldie, a single mother and waitress from the Midwest, who has moved to L.A. with her eight-year-old daughter Shania. Jane , Goldie's grandmother, follows her family to the city against her grandaughter's wishes. Goldie decides to become Bryan and David's surrogate, and naturally, her family gets involved. (via)

I used to love Glee, so I know that Ryan Murphy's shows can be amusing. This one looks funny, if a little formulaic. Plus, Justin Bartha is in it, and I adored him in National Treasure (both 1 and 2).

Next week, on Monday, Sept. 17:

Bones 7–8 p.m. (FOX)

I'll be honest—I really think Bones should have ended at least a season ago. The past season seemed to drag badly a lot of the time, and I used to really love the show. The relationship between Bones and Booth, although fans have been clamoring for it since the series started, just seems odd. And now Bones is on the run? Sigh. We'll see.

Revolution 9–10 p.m. (NBC)

Revolution takes place in a post-apocalyptic future. Fifteen years earlier, an unknown phenomenon disabled all advanced technology on the planet, ranging from computers and electronics to car engines, jet engines, and batteries. People were forced to adapt to a world without technology, and due to the collapse of public order, many areas are ruled by warlords and militias. The series focuses on the Matheson family, who possess an item that is the key to not only finding out what happened fifteen years ago, but also a possible way to reverse its effects. However, they must elude various enemy groups who want to possess that power for themselves. (via)

I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre in both books and film, so I definitely have to give this show a watch. It's also "from J.J. Abrams," and I pretty much always enjoy the various projects he's involved in. I definitely think the previews over the summer capitalized on the popularity of the Hunger Games, but it remains to be seen if that feel translates into the actual show.

And on Friday, Sept. 21:

Haven 9–10 p.m. (SyFy)

I feel that this show really hit its stride during the second season, so I'm pumped that it's been given a chance for a third. Seriously weird crap happens to the town and people of Haven, and I'm looking forward to the possibility of some answers—and the inevitability of more questions.